Relief and gratitude from trophy winning coaches

Bulls Daisies Head Coach, Hayden Groepes, expressed massive gratitude to the Blue Bulls system and players after their convincing 36-17 win over DHL Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The win resulted in back-to-back SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division titles for the Pretoria outfit, something Groepes said was only possible through hard work and input from all stakeholders in the union.

“I’m relieved that we could achieve the goal we set out for ourselves at the beginning of year and that was to go for the double. It was not always easy, I can tell you that, but everyone pulled together and we could do what we set out to,” Groepes said.

“From the admin side of things, where we enjoyed strong support to the backroom staff and of course the players, this was made possible because of them.”

The Daisies had to do without national players called up for Springbok Women and Springbok Women’s Sevens duties throughout the 16-week season and Groepes praised the back-up players for their effort.

“We almost had to field 15 new caps at stages, but those players came through well and that is also because we received the necessary support from the clubs, they are involved with.”

Groepes was very complimentary to the DHL Western Province team as well, the only side that managed to beat the Daisies in two years of competition.

“They really showed up for the final and had us scrambling at times. The defeat we suffered against them in the league phase was only something we could learn lessons from, and we did just that. They were worthy opponents in the final and I can only compliment them on their season as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, SWD Eagirls Head Coach, Elize Arendse, said the team spirit in the squad laid the foundation for their success, which saw them win all eight matches played this year, including a tight 20-16 win over the Leopards Women in the SA Rugby Women’s First Division final in George on Friday.

“People don’t often share their secrets for success, but I don’t mind explaining why I’m coaching with a smile on my face and a positive attitude. This group care for each other. We come from different areas and circumstances, but we pulled together as a team and became a really good unit, almost like family, because of that,” Arendse explained.

“That feeling manifests on the field, where the players know they have each other’s backs.”

It was also a highlight for her to win the title at home, at Outeniqua Park in George, she said.

“I grew up here and never as a player or a coach enjoyed a home final. Two years ago we won in Potchefstroom and last year lost in Bloemfontein, so to finally host and win the final here was such a special moment for all of us. The trophy came home, finally. ”

Selected stats:

First Division:

• Leading points scorer: 57 – Antoneica Hannies (SWD Eagirls)
• Leading try scorer: 6 – Shannon Lee Windvogel (SWD Eagirls)

Premier Division

• Leading Points scorer: 178 Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies)
• Leading try scorer: 17 – Voice Ndou (DHL Western Province)